Recreational Marijuana becomes legal in Maine

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on February 01, 2017.

Maine on Monday became the eighth state in the US to allow adults over the age of 21 to possess and consume marijuana for recreational purposes. Yes, it’s now legal for adults 21 years and older to smoke, gift, grow and possess up two-and-a-half ounces of marijuana in the state.

The residents can also legally grow up to six mature plants and 12 immature plants, while retail sale of marijuana will be allowed when the moratorium ends in February 2018.

Technically, people can’t sell it, but obviously they can grow their own, and transfer two and a quarter ounces legally. Cities and towns have also considered moratoriums on the establishment of marijuana businesses, and some have already approved such temporary bans.

“Responsible adult marijuana consumers will no longer be harassed and treated like criminals,” said David Boyer, who ran the campaign to legalize pot last year. “Police will be able to spend more time addressing serious crimes rather than punishing adults for using a substance that is safer than alcohol.”

Maine voters narrowly passed a ballot measure for recreational use of marijuana in last November. However, the journey towards legalization of recreational marijuana use was not smooth. It took two ballot initiatives, a legal challenge that attempted to keep Question 1 –‘Adult Recreational Marijuana Use’ off the November ballot, and then finally a recount which ended up being abandoned.

Legalization also sparked a row between the Republican Governor Paul LePage and legislators. However, the Governor ended up signing the bill on January 27, unanimously approved by the House and Senate to close a loophole that could have allowed people under age 21 to legally possess marijuana.

Massachusetts, California and Nevada also legalized recreational marijuana with a referendum last year.